Excessive sugar intake can adversely affect your health. Here are five signs your body may be signaling:
Got a sweet tooth that just won’t quit? Indulging in sugary treats might be a delight, but it’s crucial to recognize the potential spike in your body’s sugar levels. We’re all aware that excessive sugar intake can heighten the risk of diabetes and heart diseases. Dietician Vidhi Chawla, Founder of Fisico Diet Clinic, highlights five warning signs indicating you’re overdoing it on the sugar front.
1. Acne
After consuming sugary foods, they’re converted into glucose, causing insulin levels to surge. Excessive sugar intake can result in inflammation, increased oil production, and androgen secretion, leading to acne flare-ups. It’s worth noting that those who consume high levels of sugar are more susceptible to persistent acne. Insulin spikes can also contribute to clogged pores, resulting in dull, fatigued-looking skin. If you notice a sudden onset of acne and breakouts, consider reducing your sugar intake to see if it makes a positive impact.
2. Weight gain
When addressing sugar intake, it’s crucial to distinguish “added sugar” from natural sources like those found in fruits and dairy products. Natural sugars offer essential vitamins, minerals, and calcium and can be consumed regularly. However, processed and canned foods should be avoided due to their added sugar content. Sugary foods are rapidly digested, causing frequent hunger pangs and potentially leading to weight gain. Moreover, they’re calorie-dense and lack essential nutrients, further contributing to weight gain.
3. Experiencing fatigue and irritability
Foods high in sugar but lacking in proteins or fats cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, making it challenging for your body to regulate. Consequently, your energy levels plummet, leading to feelings of irritability and fatigue. White sugar can trigger the release of cytokines, contributing to inflammation, while also releasing Orexin, a neuropeptide associated with drowsiness and fatigue.
You’ve probably observed that after indulging in something excessively sweet, you often feel sluggish. This is because an overabundance of sugar can significantly affect your energy levels.
4. Experiencing constant hunger
Consuming excessive white sugar or sugary foods causes your body to rapidly burn through sugar, leading to increased hunger shortly afterward. While sugar may temporarily satisfy your taste buds, it fails to provide the stomach with essential proteins, nutrients, and fibers, leaving you unsatisfied. Additionally, sugary items can trigger compulsive eating behaviors, causing you to consume more than your body actually needs.
5. Sleep issues
Excessive sugar consumption can disrupt your sleep patterns. When you ingest too much sugar, it spikes your insulin levels, leading to the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which can interfere with your ability to sleep. Moreover, sugar depletes magnesium levels in the body, which is essential for promoting restful sleep. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid sugar intake, especially before bedtime, to maintain a healthy sleep schedule.
If you find yourself experiencing any of the aforementioned signs, take a closer look at your diet and be mindful of your sugar intake. If you’ve overindulged in sugar and want to rid your body of it, increase your water intake to help flush it out.